To Do in January

Fertilizing
• Spread ashes from the fireplace around gardens and bulb beds where soil pH is below 6.0. Avoid acid-loving plants. (3 lbs of ash = 1 lb of limestone)
• Now is the time to put out limestone if needed (it takes about three months for lime to change the soil’s pH)
• Fertilize houseplants as needed.

Planting
• Asparagus crowns can be planted at this time.

Propagation
• Hardwood cuttings of many landscape plants like forsythia (yellow bells), flowering quince, weigela, crape myrtle, juniper, spirea and hydrangea can be taken this month.

Pruning
• Prune grape vines
• Any dead or diseased wood can be pruned out anytime of the year.
• Weeds or unnecessary trees should be removed from the landscape.

Spraying
• None

Other Activities
• Poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.
• If you have received your soil recommendations, apply lime as suggested. Don’t apply fertilizer until spring.
• Order fruit trees and grape vines now if you wish to plant them in February and March.
• Continue putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin.

Much like I can eat chocolate but my cat would become ill if she ate it, mistletoe can be eaten by some creatures but will sicken or kill others. Wild birds, deer, and squirrels are among those who do eat mistletoe berries, but humans, cats and dogs, and livestock such as cattle can not.